BBC confirms airdate for Gladiators reboot with Loughborough University athlete
The BBC has confirmed the airdate for the revival of the iconic 1990s show Gladiators. A Loughborough University[1] athlete is among the new generation of muscle-clad stars for the reboot. The new Gladiators, which is being hosted by father-and-son Bradley and Barney Walsh, is among the first of many revivals hitting screens in 2024.
The iconic show pits members of the public up against a series of strong competitors and athletes with big biceps over a series of intense challenges. Among the new generation of Gladiators is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey who trains at Loughborough University. The Commonwealth Games[2] gold medallist takes on the name Nitro for the series due to his “lightning fast” pace which saw him triumph in the 4x100m relay at the 2022 games.
The series was filmed in Sheffield last year and will see the challengers refereed by former Premier League[4] match official Mark Clattenburg. He will take on the mantle of the iconic “Gladiators, are you ready?” call previously shouted by Scotsman John Anderson. Match of the Day commentator Guy Mowbray will also comment on this year’s proceedings.
Loughborough’s Gladiator is among 16 fit stars looking to outfox the public in the challenges. Harry, who has been billed as a “ball of energy” by show bosses, believes it is an honour to take part in the revival.
The complete set of 2023 Gladiators (L-R): Legend, Fire, Bionic, Diamond, Nitro, Electro, Giant, Steel, Apollo, Comet, Viper, Athena, Fury, Phantom, Sabre, Dynamite (Image: Nick Eagle/BBC/Hungry Bear)
Speaking previously, he said: “Becoming a Gladiator is another great achievement. A childhood dream come true.
You never know what is coming in life, each day is there to be enjoyed and savouring all opportunities is a must! It literally gives me energy and strength.” Now, the BBC has confirmed the airdate for the much-anticipated revival.
They have hailed Gladiators as the “ultimate test of strength and speed”, saying it is the “most iconic sports entertainment gameshow” on TV.
The new series of Gladiators kicks off next Saturday (January 13) at 5.50pm on BBC One[5].
It will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
References
- ^ Loughborough University (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Commonwealth Games (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Escape to the Country’s Jonnie Irwin tells fans he ‘feels manly again’ in new update (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Premier League (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ BBC One (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)